Tolerance in Islam
By Wisam Zegar, Board of Directors Vice President
 The evils of Islamophobia are on the rise in the media and in our society. Islamophobia, is the fear or hostility toward Islam and Muslims. One of the false, unjustified, and, unsubstantiated arguments that Islamophobes raise is that Islam is an intolerant religion. They argue that Islam by nature is evil and discriminatory. It cannot co-exist with and does not tolerate other religions. Another argument is that Islam was spread by the sword. Let us look at some facts to combat these evil lies.
In Surat Al-Baqara, verse 256, Allah (SWT) tells us, “There is no compulsion in religion…” In other words, Islam teaches us that a person cannot be compelled or forced to accept any particular religion against his or her will. A person is free to choose his or her own religion. Tolerance was prevalent throughout the history of Islam. It is an undeniable fact that during the dark ages in Europe, it was the Muslims who protected the Jews from persecution in Europe. The Muslims invited the Jews to live in peace and prosperity within the Islamic nation. They allowed them to worship freely and never forced them to convert to Islam. They enjoyed a life of peace and tolerance.
In Surat Al-Ma’ida, verse 32, Allah (SWT) tells us “…if anyone killed a person, not in retaliation of murder, or to spread mischief in the land, it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind ...” Killing or taking a human life without any legal justification is a sin of great magnitude. The killer is condemned to hell. A Muslim, one who submits his will to Allah (SWT), is prohibited from killing, without justification. Therefore, the argument that Islam was spread by the sword is completely baseless. The essence of Islam is peace. Violence is prohibited and not tolerated.
Tolerance of other religions is best exemplified by Omar Ibn Al-Khatab (RAA), one of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs, and one of the Great Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAAW). When Omar (RAA) entered the Holy City of Jerusalem, He granted freedom of religion and worship to all other religious communities. He did not use the sword to convert anyone. Another great example is when Omar (RAA) was in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He was invited by the Patriarch to pray in the church but Omar (RAA) refused the offer and the Patriarch became upset. Omar (RAA) explained to the Patriarch that if he prayed there, he feared that later generations of Muslims might take over the Church and convert it to a Mosque. In other words, Omar (RAA) protected this church and the Christians. Is this tolerance of another religion or what?
There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran and Sunnah that speak volumes of peace and tolerance between nations and individuals. We need to teach ourselves and our children the meaning of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah in order to achieve the ultimate reward- Jannah. We also need to learn the Quran in order to combat the lies, evil hatred, bias, and slurs directed against Islam and Muslims. May Allah (SWT) guide all of us to the Right Path. Ameen. |